In the report, Filipino fishermen revealed that they have been watching the Chinese harvest giant clams in the area for years.

According to local fishermen, Chinese Coast Guard speed boats prevent Filipino and other fishing vessels from accessing the shoal.

Just last month, the camp of opposition senatorial bet Neri Colmenares released a documentary video where Filipino fishermen narrate how the Chinese Coast Guard would seize their catch and drive them away from Scarborough Shoal.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo then said the Philippine government would protest if proven that the Chinese harass Filipino fishermen.

Panelo insisted that the Philippine Coast Guard said here have been no incidents of harassment.

"We have coordinated with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and initially, there were no reports of Filipino fishermen being subjected to the said attack of Chinese water cannons, and so far, there were no sightings of dredging ships in the waters of Bajo De Masinloc or in the West Philippine Sea," AFP Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat said.